How is it August already??? There is so much great stuff lined up for August. But first, I have to tell you… WE HAVE THE MOST AMAZING MEMBERSHIP! Let me tell you a story of why I say this. I was working at National Dressage Pony Cup Championships at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington Ohio. It’s an epic show, if you haven’t done it before, you need to put this one on your list of shows to attend. But back to the why our membership is the best. It was 10:30 at night, the night before the show officially started, and we get a call in the show office, a horse is experiencing a very bad colic and needs to be taken to Ohio State University Vet School for surgery ASAP. The problem is, the horse does not have a way to get to the hospital. I’m in Ohio, I don’t know anyone in Ohio, but I know we have a few ESDCTA members at the show. I took a chance and put out a message asking if they could help. Not only did they step up, they raced each other to see who could help first. I’ve never been so proud of our local community. You are amazing people and I am so glad to have you as part of our association. Thank you!
On to August.
August 8-10 is Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival, hosted by Dressage4Kids at Horse Park of New Jersey. We have a team representing ESDCTA competing, so please come out and show your support.
August 16th – Long Lining Clinic with Brittany Stanley, a grand prix dressage rider who has trained with some of the best.
August 30- September 1st is CBLM Championships at the Horse Park of New Jersey. Are you qualified? We are looking forward to a great show. Remember, the theme is an end of summer Luau, so get your grass skirts, coconuts, and leis ready.
September 19-22 is Region 8 Championships at Hits-on-the-Hudson, Sauguerties, NY.
October 2nd - 5th is Region 1 Championships at the Virginia Horse Center, Lexington VA.
October 25th – ESDCTA Championships at USET, Gladstone NJ.
October 30th- November 2nd – USDF Finals at the World Equestrian Center, Wilmington OH.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at these upcoming events. Best of luck, we’ll be cheering for you.
grants@esdcta.org horselover8968@gmail com newsletter@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org
Ashley Mucha results@esdcta.org
CROSS COUNTRY...
News Across Our Region
COMMUNITY NEWS
If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (We helped get better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT??
Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2025. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Have a great article that you would like to share?
Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review. AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOUR FOR EACH STORY!
Milestone
Please Contact this newsletter if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.
e-mail: newsletter@esdcta.org
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact: Heidi Lemack membership@esdcta.org
Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org
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Email: treasurer@esdcta.org
Amateur Dilemma
By Meredith Rogers
It is Day 2 of not seeing my horse. I am on vacation and I don’t know if I’ll make it another day without my barn time. Is Leo missing me? Probably just his daily dose of peppermints. I really don’t know what it is that draws us to these animals. They’re big and think nothing of pushing us out of the way or leaving us behind if something scares them enough. Some would stay they stink (not us, of course), but we do usually end up a lot dirtier when we leave the barn than when we arrived.
I’m actually on a staycation but I arranged for us to do something every day and didn’t leave much free time. Yesterday, I was so jonesing for an equine interaction that I visited the Assateague ponies at the zoo – I did also visit the lions and tigers and bears. Don’t get me wrong, I’m having a blast. My husband and I are spending some muchneeded time together that doesn’t involve running errands. We’re going to places we always said someday we would go visit but always had an excuse (yes, it was often that I wanted barn time or had a horse show). We’re eating out and ignoring work, both housework and job work. BUT I MISS MY HORSE.
There’s really no hope for me. I just have to admit that it’s an addiction. It’s not even like I’m losing out on training time, since we’re still in rehab mode. Maybe this afternoon I can sneak away for an hour to at least see him and groom him and maybe get on and maybe give him a bath... That would leave my husband a little time to hit some golf balls. Win-win in my book!
The Assateague Ponies at Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Sussex, NJ
News from Outside the Ring
It Seems Horses Have No Place in Modern Military
Giving a cost-savings excuse, the army is dismantling almost all of their equine units so they can focus on fighting and training for wars. The 5 units that will be disbanded are at Fort Irwin, California, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Cavazos, Texas. Caisson units (for funerals) will remain at Arlington National Cemetery, Virgina, and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. In total, 141 horses that had been used for ceremonial events will need to find new homes. In 2022, 4 horses died within a year, prompting the army to hire Eventing Olympian, David O’Connor, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the British Royal Household Cavalry, to assist in overhauling care standards after a review found it severely lacking in meeting even the basic needs of the horses at several bases. However, it seems the issues were mainly fixed and are not the reasons for the closures. The move is expected to save about $2 million out of the army’s total budget of $197.4 billion. The horses will be put up for adoption as the program is phased out over the year.
World’s Oldest Horse Dies
Mokie, an Arabian horse previously owned by Hollywood legend, Burt Reynolds, has died at the age of 40. He was born on Reynold’s farm on February 21, 1985, where he was named Mohawk. In 1992, he was sold to a woman named Beverly who rode him all around the country, and then lived with Arica Dzama who had originally taken care of him for Beverly whenever she went out of town. During his long life he gave back by serving as a therapy horse. He died on June 3, 2025, only a few weeks after earning the title as World’s Oldest Horse by the Guiness Book of World Records. Fun fact, a 40-year-old horse is roughly the equivalent to a 115-year-old person.
At Anjelhart Equestrian Center, we believe in purposeful training, thoughtful care, and fostering the special bond between horse and rider.
Nestled in the heart of horse country in Cream Ridge, NJ, our boutique dressage facility offers a calm, professional setting where riders can pursue their goals and realize their full potential.
● Two indoor arenas — one 80 x 218 ft with mirrors, sound system and raised viewing deck, and a second 60 x 105 ft arena ideal for lunging and hand walking
● 150 x 200 ft all-weather outdoor groomed daily
● Private turnout in pristine pastures
● 12 x 12 matted stalls with oversized windows and individual tack lockers
● Radiant-heated lounge and tack room
● Bridle paths and access to nearby parks and trail systems
● Professional, peaceful atmosphere for riders at all levels
● Bring your own trainer, farrier and veterinarian — or use one of our trusted partners
Horse Treats
By Meredith Rogers
Horseshoes is a game of strategy, intrigue, and thrills. No, it’s not, but its origins do go back to ancient times. Greek soldiers in the second century wanted to mimic the discus event played at the Olympics but didn’t have discs or the distance needed to throw them, so substituted discarded horseshoes and threw them at a stake. For some reason unknown to modern times, one stake became two.
Leave it to the British to make it official. In 1869 England formally set the rules, but at the time the game was played with a round metal ring called a quoit instead of a horseshoe. However, the use of horseshoes has always been the go-to for soldiers. After the Civil War, soldiers came home and brought the game of horseshoes with them, building horseshoe courts in their backyards. In the early 1900s, the first horseshoe leagues popped up and tournaments were held.
So how are you supposed to play it? First off, you can’t just grab a few old shoes from Dobbin. Specially manufactured shoes are used that must not weigh more than 2 pounds 10 ounces, and must not exceed 7-1/4” in width and 7-5/8” in length, with an opening not to exceed 3-1/2”. Two to four players take turns pitching these special horseshoes at the opposite team’s stake, which are set 40’ apart. If each team has 2 players, both throw first before the second team, after which they switch sides and do it again. Scores are calculated based on if the horseshoe comes to encircle the stake or within 6”. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins. There’s actually two types of play according to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA): Count-All and Cancellation Scoring. With Count-All, throws counted as “live” can be ringers (around the stake), leaners (vertical against the stake), or close to the stake (within 6”). If your “live shoes” land closer to the stake than your opponent, then you earn two extra points. Shoes outside of the playable area are called “dead shoes”. Cancellation Scoring is similarly played but one team can cancel out the points of the opposing team. For example, if your opponent throws a ringer and then you throw a ringer, instead of you both getting 3 points, you cancel out each other. Scoring is actually quite complicated for Cancellation Scoring.
The next time you’re looking for something fun to do during a garden party, as you break out the lawn games you can now bore your guests with some useless, semiequestrian knowledge.
My European Vacation Education
By Paige Zimmerman
From June 30 through July 8, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival as a part of The Dressage Foundation’s Dream Program along with Evie Oliver, Quinn Ridgway, and Tessa Holloran. This was an unforgettable and life-changing experience for us, especially being able to attend the trip with our fantastic chaperones and mentors: JJ Tate and Richard Malmgren. I can never thank The Dressage Foundation (TDF) enough, as well as Margaret Duprey and the many sponsors and donors that have made this program possible. With TDF, JJ, and Richard’s guidance, we were able to interview many top riders, trainers, leaders, and professionals in the sport, as well as watch some of the best riders in the world warm up and show. The energy at this prestigious venue was truly electric!
I learned an incredible amount about riding and training specifically, and the state of the sport itself and how things are changing for the future. Attending Aachen left me inspired to improve my own riding, as well as the sport as a whole. We saw a lot of beautiful, harmonious riding that was well rewarded by the judges, which left me with a lot of powerful memories and images that I can try to emulate in my own riding.
As a part of the trip, each of us wrote daily journals detailing our thoughts and observations about the show, about dressage as a whole, and about how we can take what we’ve learned back home. I have provided a link to these journals below. They can be found on The Dressage Foundation’s website. I highly recommend reading the journals, as they go into more detail regarding our day-to-day experiences. But, please read on for more regarding our adventures in Germany and the process through which I heard about the program and applied for it.
Link to our daily journals: https://www.dressagefoundation.org/grants-and-programs/grant-recipients/2025-dream-program.html
Last year, when I was at the USDF Convention, I remember being told that the TDF Dream Program was returning to Germany for CHIO Aachen in 2025. I had heard of the Dream Program before, and knew that it was a program through which Young Riders were selected to go to Europe under the watchful eye of a mentor to meet with professionals, watch great riding, and have an incredible learning experience. However, the program had not gone to Germany since before the pandemic. The fact that it was returning to Germany again caught my eye– that would be a truly unique experience that I would never be able to replicate if I tried to go on my own. I have friends who have gone to Aachen, and I had heard that it was nothing like any other show in the world! Having now attended, I can say that this is absolutely true. Multiple people told us throughout our week in Germany that the hype surrounding this competition is greater than the Olympics, and I can only agree.
The application process was fairly rigorous, searching for candidates with a strong background in volunteer work, as well as an established riding career. Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 25 and showing 4th Level or above at recognized shows (we were required to submit a copy of our USDF scores). We each also were required to submit a video of us riding a test to gauge our technical skill level, although the program itself doesn’t include any riding while in Germany. I completed my application in January, and in late February, I got the message: I was in!
Please refer to this Eurodressage article about the Dream Program for more information:
(Please note that at the time that this article was published, Charlotte Bredahl was also going to be a chaperone on the trip, but unfortunately she could not make it.)
Leading up to our departure, we were in contact with Beth Baumert, who is the President and CEO of TDF as well as a trainer and author. We received several books on dressage theory and exercises, and we discussed these books with each other as well as with Beth through email. She gave us questions to answer about the books that we discussed in great detail in preparation for the trip. This lead-up was very helpful and I always enjoy reading and analyzing, so these mental exercises were fun! We also held a zoom call prior to leaving so that we could all meet each other and discuss plans for the trip. The TDF team was fantastic in making all of our travel plans, booking the hotels, and working hard in the background to ensure that we would have as smooth and comfortable a trip as possible. I am very grateful to have had them
keeping us updated and making sure that everything was in line throughout the preparation process. That hard work on their part certainly didn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Regarding the experience of international travel, I have to say that I am very, very glad that we had JJ and Richard with us. Navigating unfamiliar airports isn’t easy, and it certainly would have been very stressful without having our mentors there to guide us. There were a few bumps in the road that made their help especially appreciated. Upon our arrival in Germany, we boarded the train from Düsseldorf to Aachen, but soon had to disembark due to a problem with the tracks. With the help of a kind bystander, JJ and Richard were able to find us another train for the remainder of the trip. On our travel day home, our original flights were cancelled and rebooked for different flights, destinations, and times on the following day. JJ and Richard as well as the TDF crew worked very hard to get us all on appropriate flights home, but we did end up staying an extra day in Germany, which was a blessing! We were able to go into Düsseldorf and do some sight-seeing around the city. It was a fun extra day, even though it wasn’t originally planned.
At the show itself, JJ and Richard were amazing and worked really hard to organize interviews with top riders, judges, coaches, breeders, and professionals in the sport so that we could soak up as much knowledge as possible. I discuss many of these conversations and meetings in my daily journals, but I wanted to mention them here too since they were incredibly special and certainly would not have been possible without this program. Over our 5 days at the show, we met with:
● US coach and international competitor, Allison Brock
● Swedish team vet, Dr. Johan Lenz
● Director at the German National Training Center in Warendorf, Markus Scharmann
● Eurodressage owner and operator, Astrid Appels
● USEF Director of Dressage, Laura Roberts
● US Team Technical Advisor, Christine Traurig
● Swedish team riders, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén and Caroline Darcourt
● FEI judge, Janet Foy
● US team rider, Ben Ebeling
● Son of Reiner Klimke and international competitor, Michael Klimke
● British team rider, Becky Moody
● TDF supporter and sponsor of the Dream Program, Margaret Duprey
● US team rider, Kasey-Perry Glass
● Dutch Olympian, Dinja Van Liere
● US team rider, Marcus Orlob
● The one and only, Ingrid Klimke
● German coach and master, Hubertus Schmidt
● US dressage coach (and many other roles), George Williams
I learned so much in speaking to all of these incredible professionals, and it was interesting to see how many similarities there were amongst all of the conversations. I discuss these overarching themes in my daily journal. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to speak with everyone, and very grateful to JJ and Richard for facilitating these conversations!
Beyond the travel and the interviews, the riding itself was impeccable. As mentioned before, we saw a lot of really harmonious riding and willing horses, and it seemed that the judges were rewarding the rides that had great flow, rhythm, regularity, and relaxation, rather than the horses that were the flashiest movers. It was very interesting to watch the FEI PSG and I1 classes, especially since that’s the point at which Ducati and I are in our training. It was super helpful to see how each rider rode the test, how they prepared for each movement, how each rider rode the test differently to better suit their horse, etc. An example of this was watching Dinja Van Leire ride her winning I1 test. She rode the tempi changes very forward and expressively and took up the entire diagonal with the changes. She did not sacrifice one stride. Also, every rider went into their corners… I need to get better at doing that myself!
The Grand Prix rides were absolutely thrilling. I was very happy to watch the stallion Total Hope go in the CDI4*, and he won the Grand Prix. He is the sire of my 2-year-old, Tiara, bred in the US by Kate Landon. He’s really fun to watch and was expertly piloted by Isabel Freese– I can only hope that one day my youngster is as willing and proud under saddle as he is! The CDI5* was incredible, especially since we were witness to Justin Verboomen’s exponential rise to stardom with his stallion Zonik Plus. I just loved watching his rides, and we were able to watch him school the horse as well– they are just so perfectly in tune with each other. It was magical. The riding in the 5* was top-notch. Seeing the queen Isabel Werth and ‘newcomer’ Justin battle it out was nail-biting! In the end, she won the Grand Prix, but he won the GP Special and the GP Freestyle. It was very, very close, and the crowd was absolutely buzzing. I believe that everyone needs to experience dressage like that at some point in their lifetime!
Watching all of the rides alongside JJ and Richard was very educational as well, since they both had insights into the backgrounds of the horses and riders, and they pointed out certain aspects of the rides that I may have otherwise missed. They both have a great eye and were a lot of fun to sit near and listen to during the rides. Discussing the breeding of each horse was also especially interesting, since it is
always fun to see the breeding of each horse and compare it to horses that we know or have worked with before. I am so appreciative of JJ and Richard’s expertise and wisdom throughout the week. It was a treat to be able to discuss theory with them, ask questions, and more.
All in all, I could write probably 20 more pages about the trip. It was life-changing and I’ll never forget it. I’m so grateful to The Dressage Foundation, Margaret Duprey, and all of the sponsors and donors for making this experience possible for us. I can’t believe I was selected for such an amazing trip and opportunity! Thank you to JJ and Richard for helping us through the trip, mentoring us, and facilitating all of our meetings with so many judges, trainers, competitors, and leaders in our sport. And of course, thank you to everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and chat. I encourage all young riders to apply for this program, I truly think it’s an irreplaceable experience! I learned so much that I could not have learned without having the opportunity to go on this trip. The next time that the Dream Program is going to Germany is 2027, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re thinking of applying (or if you know someone who would be eligible).
Bridle
Bit O Woods Farm Dressage Schooling Show
7/12/25
Class: 18- Open Division
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Class: 19- Open Division
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Class: 22 -
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Class: 23 - Open Division
Bridle #
225
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Hearts Journey Stables Schooling Show II 6/28/25
Hidden Creek Equestrian Center Dressage and CT Schooling Show 7/13/25
Lehigh Valley Dressage Association III: Decades of Dressage 7/20/25
